Adam Miller could make ASU debut against TCU

Arizona State University's Adam Miller (44), left, and Kamari Lands (0), right, attend a basketball practice at the Weatherup Center in Tempe on September 27, 2023.

(Photo Courtesy: Joel Angel Juárez/Arizona Republic)

After an embarrassing loss to San Diego on Dec. 9, Arizona State could get a key reinforcement to bolster its rotation, at least for now.

It seemed hopeless nearly a week ago when the NCAA denied redshirt junior guard Adam Miller’s second-time transfer waiver, which would’ve allowed him to play this season despite transferring for a second time without an undergraduate degree. A recent court ruling is now allowing multi-time transfers like Miller an opportunity to play temporarily, however. United States District Judge John Preston Bailey of West Virginia granted a temporary restraining order against the NCAA, which means it can not enforce transfer waiver rules for the next 14 days. The NCAA issued a statement in response to the federal court ruling.

“As a result of today’s decision impacting Division I student-athletes, the Association will not enforce the year in residency requirement for multiple-time transfers and will begin notifying member schools.”

According to Chris Karpman of Sun Devil Source, Miller is expected to play in ASU’s last two non-conference games — against TCU on Dec. 16 and Northwestern on Dec. 20 — before a hearing is scheduled for Dec. 27. Miller used his redshirt in his first season at LSU due to a knee injury, keeping him from being able to use the redshirt to maintain a year of eligibility. ASU head coach Bobby Hurley has been advocating for Miller to be eligible to play for the Sun Devils, so the LSU transfer will be a welcomed addition even if it is only for a couple of games.

“I’ve got my fingers crossed and my toes crossed and everything for Adam Miller to hopefully get good news on the waiver front with him because he’s just really excited for the opportunity,” Hurley said after the Texas Southern win on Nov. 11. “The potential to get him out there and joining his teammates. He’s disappointed obviously.”

The last month has been full of uncertainty as Hurley published a statement on X after Miller’s waiver denial that his “primary focus is Adam’s mental health” and supporting him during the process. Junior guard Frankie Collins tweeted after Wednesday’s court ruling “ACE WOLF!!!!! LETS DO IT BROTHER,” in reference to Miller, whose nickname is Ace Wolf.

In the coming weeks, there could be more clarity on whether Miller will be able to play past ASU’s game on Dec. 20, which is the last before the court hearing on Dec. 27.